CLOSTER — A ribbon-cutting for three new stores at Closter Plaza marks the continued momentum of Closter’s great commercial revitalization.

That was the vibe at the grand opening of Massage Envy, Kidville and Rudy’s at the Vervalen Street mall on Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s a really big improvement,” said Kathleen O’Neil, a Closter resident of 63 years who stood wide eyed inside the newly refurbished Rudy’s Ristorante & Pizzeria, where the aroma of freshly baked pizza was in the air. “We needed this.”

MICHAEL KARAS/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERMassage Envy, Kidville and Rudy’s are the latest stores to open in the renovated Closter Plaza.

Former Mayor Fred Pitofsky beamed. “We’re called the hub of the Northern Valley and now we have a great shopping center,” he said. He predicted that the newly renovated plaza — anchored by a Whole Foods — will impact area stores positively. “This will attract people from all over.”

Customers were already crowding into Rudy’s as the pies entered and exited the ovens briskly. The 50-year-old establishment is now in a larger space with seating for 130, said owner Anthony Osso. “Everyone is excited about our new look,” he said.